South Down sheep: variability in colouring and patterning of lambs compared with constancy of adult coat.

Comments on 'rubbish' published by Poet Laureate, EC's report of the weather of 1849, and the flowers and plants growing in JH's garden.

"When a man has laboured hard in science & has proved that he is capable of original research, he may [some]times indulge in speculation [&] the public will indulge him. But even in this case it is a common error to speculate too largely, for speculation is far easier than observation or experiments . . ."

Sends CD some notes [missing] on the mode of fertilisation of winter-flowering plants, and outlines his conclusions regarding the different types of winter-flowerers and the means by which they are fertilised.

No summary available.

Discusses changes in 5th edition of Origin owing to new evidence. CD now places more value on action of external conditions; thinks lapse of time [required for development of species] not so great as some geologists have thought, and single variations [saltations] of even less importance compared with individual differences.

Asks for a photograph of CL to be used by a society [in Serbia].

Comments on article by Wallace ["Sir Charles Lyell on geological climates and the Origin", Q. Rev. 126 (1869): 359–94].

Has finished new edition of Origin [5th (1869)]

and is back at work on sexual selection [Descent].

Females have no preference for particular males in deer and elk. Observations on sexual behaviour and characteristics of elk, deer, bison, and other animals.

Justifies his use of term "degraded" by comparing contrivances for cross-fertilisation in different species of Viola.

Recalls Cuvier’s reaction to Principles of geology.

Comments on Wallace’s article in the Quarterly Review [see 6684].

Not opposed to ARW’s idea that Supreme Will might direct variation.

Quotes passage in letter from ARW arguing for causes other than selection in determining human abilities.

Discusses excavation of lakes by glaciers.

J. P. Lesley does not believe ice-sheets involved in eroding Appalachians.

Is sending a pamphlet. Has given the profits of his recent book to various universities.

Dislikes the use of the term "degradation" as applied to the closed flowers of Viola species. Species with such self-fertilising flowers also have flowers adapted for crossing. The development of closed flowers adapted to ensure a sufficient stock of seed is progressive.

Is sending his lectures on magnetism he gave at Cambridge.

Glad that Emma's jaundice is over. Criticises metric system of measure. Encloses JH's response to Mr. Yates's letter in the Times on Geometrical British System. Upset by present resistance to anything English. This is what 'lost us...Neptune.' Would like to see Arabic translation of Outlines Astr. Relieved that 'shabby' French translation by [L. M. J.] Chevigné was stopped. Failure of gold standard in India. French and English coins. Suggestions on WJH's effort to introduce oaths into Indian justice system. Popularity of velocipedes [bicycles]. Family news.

Reports what he must pay for university courses. Forgets what CD wants to know about vermiform appendage.

Asks whether in Slavonic races the hair of the beard and head are different colours.

The Linnean Society Council wants CD to review two papers, with reference to their value for publication.

H. M. S. Nassau, surveying Magellan Straits, has found fossils at Gallegos River. They have been sent to THH by R. O. Cunningham [naturalist of H. M. S. Nassau]. Skull of entirely new ungulate mammal.

Daisies.

A tame rabbit with a litter of 18.

Sends photograph of Sir C. Lyell and Professor Owen, generally considered our most distinguished [British] naturalists. Includes the requested photograph of himself [see 6720].